Converting analog captures for computer use only.

[digicube]

I want to convert some analog video tapes to mp4 using h.264. Does the video have to stay interlaced at 29.97 to preserve quality or can I make it 60fps and progressive without losing quality?

[LigH.de]

Technically, every change to the video content is an objective loss of quality, even if the result may look subjectively better to people watching it...

So you may indeed convert from interlaced to progressive, interpolating fields to frames (e.g. using QTGMC or TDeint in bobbing mode, if you can use an AviSynth based converter). Just keep in mind that to be compatible with consumer players, only specific resolutions may support the double frame rate (59.94 fps). It may be convenient to use a scaling to 720p resolution inside QTGMC for possibly optimal quality.

[digicube]

Or maybe I should stay 29.97, interlaced and 480p for maximum compatibility.

[LigH.de]

Yes, that will be compatible down to old CRT TV sets, and modern flat screen TVs will have their own advanced deinterlacers.

[manono]

Or maybe I should stay 29.97, interlaced and 480p for maximum compatibility.

???

[digicube]

480i is the correct term. I was thinking 480 pixels.